Removal of Phenol by A. belladonna L. Hairy Root

Phenolic compounds that present in the several industries are harmful and dangerous for human health. In this study we have studied the potential of Atropa belladonna hairy roots in phenol removal of wastewater. The optimal conditions for the removal process were evaluated using different phenol (10–500 mg.1⁻¹) and H₂O₂ (1–15 Mm) concentrations. In the presence of H₂O₂, Roots were able to remove phenol concentrations up to 500 mg.1⁻¹. in the wide range of pH (4–9), reaching high removal efficiency. When roots were re-used for five consecutive cycles, phenol removal efficiency decreased from 98–62%, in the last cycle. After the removal process, the solutions were obtained from the experiment were estimated for their toxicity using a test with Lactaca sativa L. seeds. Results showed that the treated solution was less toxic than the parent solution.